There are plenty of things to do in Vancouver in November, even with restrictions still going on in 2021. While Fall is in full swing, November is an in-between stage. The October events are over and the things to do in Vancouver in December have not started.
Whether you are a local, or planning a visit to Vancouver, this post will give you your fill of what to do in Vancouver in November. I suspect you will be surprised at all that the city has to offer in what is considered the off season for tourists and the middle of fall for locals.
Important Dates in November
Nov 11th Remembrance Day
Nov 26th Black Friday
Remembrance Day Ceremonies
While 2021 Remembrance day ceremonies will likely look similar to 2020, it is still an important moment in the day and will always be one of the biggest Vancouver November events, if only in a virtual way. As information becomes available based on public health directives, the list of Remembrance Day events in Vancouver will be updated here.
If you are a visitor to the city, November 11th is a holiday in Canada. Expect holiday hours and some closures.
Read more about Vancouver 2020 Holiday Cancellations
Black Friday Shopping
Picked from our American neighbors, Black Friday shopping is now popular all over the world. Expect plenty of Black Friday November events in Vancouver. Check into online shopping this year, if you want to avoid other people or lineups. Gone are the days when people lined up at stores for hours and now so much shopping is done online.
Fly Over Canada’s Original Production
If you have never seen Fly Over Canada, then you are in for a treat. During the Ultimate Flying Ride you will see numerous cities and vistas across the country. The production team for FlyOver Canada were able to select 18 scenes from over 100 hours of footage to represent Canada in the ride film. There are no subtitles or voice-overs during the experience, as we did not want to detract from the flying sensation
Tickets: Book your tickets online in advance here for the lowest price and to ensure availability.
Dates: Offered Year Round and can be combined with seasonal productions.
Location: 201 – 999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC
Important Notes: The queue is partially exposed to the elements. Ensure you wear proper attire. It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance. For those looking for Holiday Fly Over events, Soar with Santa starts in December this year!
Fly Over Canada’s Real Wild West
Experience the West at its wildest. Glide over vast prairies and towering peaks. Dip into valleys where untamed rivers rush, and buzz through electric urban spaces pulsing with energy.
Fly Over Canada is offered all year round with seasonal specials like this one. It is on our list of the best things to do in Vancouver for this reason!
Dates: November 1st to December 5th 2021
Location: 201 – 999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC
Important Notes: The queue is partially exposed to the elements. Ensure you wear proper attire. It is recommended to buy tickets online in advance. For those looking for Holiday Fly Over events, Soar with Santa starts in December this year!
Vancouver Christmas Market
The famous Vancouver Christmas Market starts in November and features a German-inspired Christmas Market. For those who like a jump on the holiday season, it creates the perfect atmosphere to get into the holiday spirit. Experience a selection of traditional food and beverages, and browse vendors offering authentic wood carvings and toys, knitted goods, nutcrackers, pottery, and other unique gifts. This is a popular place to get Vancouver souvenirs.
Dates: November 13th to December 24th 2021
Location: Jack Poole Plaza, 1055 Canada Place Vancouver
Prices: Tickets start at $7.99 based on the type of ticket you purchase. Kids 6 and under are free.
Tickets: Pre Sale Tickets are available online. Tickets can also be purchased on arrival subject to availability.
Important Notes: Visitors to the market must show their COVID-19 vaccination passport and government-issued photo ID at the gates
Da Vinci Experience at Tsawwassen Mills
The experience features the genius of Leonardo Da Vinci through four distinct rooms, including a 360-degree immersive room, educational centre, and a virtual reality visit to Da Vinci’s Florence studio. Attendees can look forward to a visual and sensory experience unlike anything ever seen before, celebrating the life and work of the renowned artist, inventor, engineer, innovator, Leonardo da Vinci.
Pricing: General Admission 16+ from $25.99
Youth 4 -15 from $21.99
Senior 65+ from $23.99
Family pass; 2 adults + 2 children/youth from $77.99
Child 3 & under 1 free admittance with a 1 paid General Admission
Location: Tsawwassen Mills Shopping Mall 5000 Canoe Pass Way, Delta BC (entrance 4 – right next to Marshalls)
Dates: Daily until Jan 10th 2022. Book online in advance here
November Events Vancouver: Gastown Food Tour
The Legendary Gastown Food tour takes you through the cobbled stone streets of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood. Enjoy local craft beer, Japanese Kar-age style chicken, freshly made Sicilian Tortellini with local wine, battered fish with hand cut fries, tasty Carolina-style pulled pork BBQ sandwiches, organic smooth soft ice cream, creamy awarding-winning cheesecake, and delicious hand-made chocolates!
On this 2.5 hour walking food tour, professional improv comedy actors full of passion for the city and its food will share the fascinating and funny little-known stories about Vancouver and its “Wild West” history that dates back 150 years. Learn about Gassy Jack, Gastown’s notorious founder and the stories that him famous and put Vancouver on the map.
Tickets: Buy your tickets online here
Dates: Thursdays to Sundays 2pm
Location: Departs from Waterfront Station 601 W Cordova St
Vancouver Tree Lighting
This November in Vancouver things will be a bit different. While the Vancouver Tree Lighting event is gaining in popularity and might look a little different in 2021 (in 2020 things went virtual). When details are released, they will be posted here.
Lights at Lafarge Lake
Lights at Lafarge Lake is one of the largest free light displays in Metro Vancouver, featuring more than 100,000 twinkling lights. The outdoor display will be a popular Vancouver event in November 2020 as it offers an outdoor activity. If you are wondering what to do in Vancouver in November and are looking for an outdoor activity, this is one you should add to your list.
Dates: 2021 Information will be added when available.
Photo Courtesy City of Coquitlam
Surrey Tree Lighting
Equally as popular as the Vancouver tree lighting, the Surrey tree lighting is one of those holiday events that those living in Metro Vancouver should not miss. This is a free holiday event in Surrey at Surrey Civic Plaza.
Date: 2021 information to be released soon
Location: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104 Ave, Surrey
Lights on the Lake at Harrison Hot Springs
While this event gained a ton of online press for being mis-marketed as a Whoville, it is a beautiful display of lights in Harrison on Harrison lake. Whether you visit for the day or make it a weekend getaway from Vancouver, it is a great outdoor event that will likely be very popular in 2021.
2021 Dates to be released
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge
Named one of the most spectacular holiday lights displays in the world, Canyon Lights is set to dazzle and amaze, high above the forest floor. The suspension bridge, rainforest and Capilano River are ablaze with lights, Treetops Adventure (the eight tallest Christmas trees in the world) is lit from top to bottom, the “Arc de Lumina” light tunnel mesmerizes on Cliffwalk, while the Snowy Owl Prowl scavenger hunt entertains the whole family.
A tradition for many Vancouver families, Canyon Lights looks forward to welcoming back guests with a few operational changes to ensure the health and safety of visitors and staff in a COVID world. Tickets and annual passes will only be available for pre-purchase online for a specific date and time to limit contact upon entry and reduce capacity.
Dates for Canyon Lights: November 20th, 2021, and January 23rd, 2022 (closed December 25).
Location: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Important Notes: Masks are required. Strollers are not allowed. Dress for the outdoors.
Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
Thousands of guests will be transported to a winter wonderland at the Burnaby Village Museum during Heritage Christmas, one of the largest annual holiday celebrations in Metro Vancouver. Twinkling lights will adorn the vintage storefronts at Burnaby Village Museum, while holiday carolers
and characters like Buddy the Elf wander the streets during Heritage Christmas. The result is a magical holiday experience unlike any other in Metro Vancouver and it’s all presented free of charge by the
City of Burnaby.
Location: 6501 Deer Lake, Burnaby BC
Dates for 2021: TBD
Stanley Park Holiday Train
Welcoming over 200,000 visitors annually, the Stanley Park Railway is popular with locals and tourists alike. Bright Nights and Stanley Park Holiday train is back for the 2021 holiday season in Vancouver
The 20 gauge, 2 km track winds through the forest over ground cleared by Typhoon Freda, the most devastating storm in Vancouver history which blew through in 1962.
Passengers can get a close-up look at a vintage engine and a quick photo before boarding for the 15-minute ride.
The jewel of the Stanley Park Railway’s collection of old locomotives is a locally-built replica of Canadian Pacific Railway Engine #374, famous for pulling Canada’s first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in the late 1880s.
Stanley Park Railway is adjacent to other popular destinations such as Lumberman’s Arch, Malkin Bowl, and the Rose Garden.
Tickets: $13 for adults (19-65) Children (3-12) $9, Youth (12-17) $10, Seniors (54+) $10 (under 2 is free). They must be bought online in advance. There are also matinee tickets that are cheaper.
Location: Stanley Park
Dates: Nov 26th 2021 to Jan 2nd 2022
Grouse Mountain Peak of Vancouver
Grouse Mountain offers more than just skiing. With skating, light walks, snowshoeing and more, it is worth taking the tram up the mountain. More info will be posted on activities and dates for 2021 as it becomes available.
Get your admission passes here.
Holiday Markets and Craft Fairs in November in Vancouver
Riley Park Farmers Market – Takes place at Riley Park and the parking lot of Nat Bailey Stadium 4601 Ontario Street – Saturdays 10am to 2pm
Vancouver Flea Market (Saturdays and Sundays) 9am to 5pm 703 Terminal Admission: $1.50 Special Events: Nov 14th 2021 Record Show
Cloverdale Flea Market (Sundays) Cloverdale Fair Grounds 6050 176th St Surrey, Admission $1.50
Hastings Park Winter Market (2021 details TBD but generally operates Sundays on the PNE fairgrounds)
Is November a Good Time to Visit Vancouver?
November is considered the offseason to visit much of British Columbia. Generally, the local ski hills are not open and Whistler Blackcomb traditionally opens in line with American Thanksgiving. The summer months are peak season to visit Vancouver, so if you want to visit without crowds, November is a good time to come into the city.
It rains 20 out of 30 days of the month, so make sure you plan for at least a chance of rain. Some of the fall foliage is still on display in November.
Read More: 99 things to do in British Columbia
Does it snow in Vancouver in November?
As you will read below, snow is a rare sight in Vancouver and is usually only seen on higher elevations. With that being said, flakes do fall in the city on occasion. If you are looking for a snowy city, November in Vancouver is not the right choice.
Weather in Vancouver in November
Vancouver has a moderate climate for most of the year. It does not get the cold snowy weather that you will find in much fo the rest of Canada, but it is important to plan for the elements just in case. There is a likely chance of a dusting of snow in higher elevations in Metro Vancouver in November, and you are likely to see fresh snow on the mountains around the city.
Snow on the mountains likely means rain in the city. When planning a trip to Vancouver in November, ensure you are prepped for rain with a decent waterproof jacket and appropriate footwear. You will also want layers.
Get more information on Vancouver weather November with tips on what to pack, temperatures to expect and how likely you are to see wet weather or sunshine.
November in Vancouver: What to Pack
As mentioned above, it does not get extremely cold, but expect wet and cool weather. You will want to ensure you have warm, waterproof clothing including sweaters, hoodies, and a heavier jacket. Bring closed-toed shoes and some type of waterproof footwear. You will probably want a light pair of gloves and a hat. If you do not have a packable umbrella, I suggest you buy one
Things to do in Vancouver by Month
Things to do in Vancouver in February
Things to do in Vancouver at Christmas
Image Credit: Lindsay Elliot / Tourism Vancouver
Image Credits: Lindsay Elliot / Tourism Vancouver (TOP) and VanDusen Gardens (BOTTOM)
Header Image Credit: Tourism Vancouver / Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!
Adriane
Monday 26th of October 2020
We're going to Vancouver this summer. I wish I could see some of the holiday stuff! These pictures are amazing.